THE NATION | IN BRIEF / MASSACHUSETTS

Man Accused in Priest Slaying Back in Prison

The convicted murderer accused of killing former priest John Geoghan in prison was returned to the prison after being hospitalized for swallowing an object, a spokesman for the state Department of Correction said.

Prisons' spokesman Justin Latini would not disclose any details, including whether it was a suicide attempt by Joseph Druce or an accident.

Druce allegedly beat and strangled Geoghan in his cell.

Geoghan, 68, was imprisoned for groping a 10-year-old boy and was accused of molesting nearly 150 boys over three decades.